The Chase Freedom Rise® Credit Card tops our list of credit cards to build credit, since it provides credit-building tools, doesn’t require a security deposit or charge fees and offers cash back on every purchase.
| Credit Cards | Our Ratings | Minimum Security Deposit | Rewards Rate | Regular APR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Chase Freedom Rise® Credit Card*
|
Winner
|
None | 1.5% cash back
| 25.99% Variable | |
Discover it® Secured Credit Card
 Apply Now
on Discover's secure site Rates & Fees |
Best to rebuild credit
|
$200 | 1% - 2% cash back
| 27.24% Variable APR |
Apply Now
on Discover's secure site Rates & Fees |
Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students*
|
Students
|
None | 1.5X points
Earn unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 you spend on all purchases. | 18.24% to 28.24% Variable APR | |
Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card
|
Secured card to build credit and earn rewards
|
Put down a refundable $200 security deposit to get a $200 initial credit line | 1.5% - 5% Cash Back
| 29.74% (Variable) | |
Petal® 2 Cash Back, No Fees Visa® Credit Card*
|
Unsecured card to build credit and earn rewards
|
None | 1% - 10% cash back
| 28.99% - 30.99% | |
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card*
|
Gas
|
$200 | 1% - 3% cash back
| 28.24% variable | |
Amazon Secured Card*
|
Store card
|
$100 | 2% cash back
2% back at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market with an eligible Prime membership
| 10.00% non-variable | |
Secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card
Apply Now
on The Bancorp Bank's secure site |
No credit history
|
$200 | N/A | N/A |
Apply Now
on The Bancorp Bank's secure site |
OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card
Apply Now
on Capital Bank, N.A.'s secure site |
Rebuild credit after bankruptcy
|
$200 | 10% cash back
Up to 10% cash back rewards
| 24.64% (variable) |
Apply Now
on Capital Bank, N.A.'s secure site |
First Tech Platinum Secured Mastercard®*
|
Low APR
|
$500 | 1X point
1 point per $1 on every purchase
| 13.25% to 18.00% |
To bring you the list of credit cards for building credit, we use an objective rating and ranking system that compares features across a large set of credit cards (over 200 of them from over 50 issuers). We use calculations to estimate the value of each card for the average cardholder, based on LendingTree and U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics.
For credit building cards in particular, we devote a large part of the score to features that help build credit — we want to help you locate cards that don’t cost a lot to own and get help you upgrade to better card offers.
Note that our ratings are a starting point for comparing and choosing the best credit card for building credit. However, your needs may be different from the average cardholder. You should consider the amount you’re likely to spend in a card’s bonus categories and which benefits you value to choose the best card for you.
We calculate how much the average cardholder can save with the card on a yearly basis. If it is a rewards card, we use U.S. Bureau of Labor data and $300 in monthly spend (the typical starting credit limit for an introductory card) to calculate how much the average cardholder can earn in rewards. We then subtract fees — including annual fees and maintenance fees — from this amount.
We give points for features that help build credit, including reports to all three credit bureaus, regular account reviews for card upgrades and free credit score access. We detract points for features that can be costly to cardholders trying to build credit, such as security deposits, penalty APRs and late payment fees.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Minimum deposit required: None
With no security deposit required, a $0 annual fee and an elevated cash back rate on every purchase, the Chase Freedom Rise® Credit Card is our pick for the best credit card for building credit.
You can improve your chances of being approved if you have a Chase checking account with a minimum balance of $250. Plus, earn a $25 statement credit when you sign up for automatic payments within the first three months of opening your account and remain enrolled for at least 90 days. The Chase Freedom Rise® Credit Card is also our top pick for the best credit card for beginners.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here. Apply Now
Minimum deposit required: $200
The Discover it® Secured Credit Card offers applicants with limited / poor credit a clear path to upgrade to an unsecured card. Although you’ll be required to put down a security deposit of at least $200, which will become your line of credit, the card offers a lot of value with cash back rewards on every purchase.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Minimum deposit required: None
The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students is a good credit card for students because it doesn’t require a security deposit and has a $0 annual fee. Plus, enjoy unlimited cash back on every purchase and a sign-up bonus that can be redeemed for travel or dining purchases.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Minimum deposit required: Put down a refundable $200 security deposit to get a $200 initial credit line
With the Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card, you can earn simple, elevated rewards on every purchase while building your credit. Earn 1.5% Cash Back on every purchase, every day; 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply).
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Minimum deposit required: None
The Petal® 2 Cash Back, No Fees Visa® Credit Card offers good value while building credit because there’s a $0 annual fee and rewards program. You’ll earn 1% cash back on eligible purchases right away, and 2% to 10% cash back at select merchants. Plus, earn up to 1.25% cash back on most purchases after six months of timely payments and up to 1.5% cash back on most purchases after 12 months of timely payments.
Since this is an unsecured card, you won’t be required to put down a security deposit and there’s no credit history required.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Minimum deposit required: $200
The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card is our pick for the best gas credit card for bad credit. You’ll earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice, earn 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs for the first $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases, then earn unlimited 1% thereafter. If you’re looking for a card that will help you save at the pump (or charging station) while building credit, this is worthy of consideration.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Minimum deposit required: $100
The Amazon Secured Card can be a great way for Amazon Prime members to build credit while earning rewards on Amazon purchases. You’ll earn 2% back at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market with an eligible Prime membership. There’s a $0 annual fee, and while it’s important to avoid carrying a balance, the 10.00% non-variable APR is low compared to other store credit cards.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here. Apply Now
Minimum deposit required: No minimum
The Secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card provides the opportunity to build credit without a credit check. Before using the card, move money to your secured account from your Chime Checking Account, which functions as your credit line.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here. Apply Now
Minimum deposit required: $200
The OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card may be best for you if you just went through bankruptcy or have other negative information on your credit reports. That’s because there’s no credit check to apply — so your previous credit history won’t be considered.
After six months of responsible usage, you may be eligible to graduate to an unsecured card or a credit line increase with no additional application and no additional deposit.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Minimum deposit required: $500
When you need to carry a balance, the $0-annual-fee First Tech Platinum Secured Mastercard® is a solid choice, thanks to its well-below-average APR. It also has a $0 balance transfer fee, which is a money-saver if you need to consolidate debt with a balance transfer. First Tech Credit Union membership is required, but there are multiple ways to qualify that are simple and inexpensive.
Building credit is important because your credit history — or lack thereof — can affect your life in many ways. A higher credit score gives you access to better credit card offers, as well as lower auto loan and mortgage rates. Credit scores can also impact your ability to rent an apartment and obtain utilities without putting down a security deposit.
Maintaining a strong credit profile and high credit score can help with the following:
Access to loans and credit
When you build a positive credit history, lenders are more likely to approve your applications for loans, credit cards and other forms of credit. This access can be essential for financing major expenses such as buying a home, purchasing a car or paying for college.
Lower interest rates
A good credit score can lead to lower interest rates on loans and credit cards. This translates to lower monthly payments and less money paid in interest over the life of the loan, potentially saving you thousands of dollars.
Financial flexibility
Building credit provides you with the flexibility to manage unexpected financial needs. Having a line of credit available can help cover emergencies or unexpected expenses without resorting to high-interest options.
Renting a home
Many landlords and property managers use credit checks to assess the reliability of potential tenants. A solid credit history can increase your chances of securing a rental property, as it demonstrates your ability to meet financial obligations.
Employment opportunities
Some employers may consider your credit history as part of their hiring process, particularly for positions that involve financial responsibilities. A positive credit history could improve your chances of landing your dream job.
Better insurance premiums
In some cases, insurance companies may use credit scores to determine insurance premiums. A higher credit score could lead to lower insurance costs over time.
The best way to build credit with a credit card is to use your card regularly and responsibly. Here are a few other tips on how to use a credit card to build credit:
The best types of credit cards for building credit are those designed specifically to assist individuals with no or limited credit history. The following card types are ideal credit-building tools:
Secured credit cards
With a secured credit card, you deposit cash to secure a credit limit that’s usually equal to your deposit. Some cards let you transition to an unsecured card or offer automatic credit limit increases after you’ve used your card responsibly. Our pick for the best secured card to build credit is the Discover it® Secured Credit Card.
Student credit cards
The approval requirements for student credit cards and credit cards for teens are generally lower than regular credit cards, making them a good option for college students. These cards may offer cash back or other types of rewards geared toward students. Our pick for the best student card to build credit is the Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students.
Gas credit cards
Gas credit cards offer either rewards on gas station purchases or a fuel discount. They are often easier to get approved for, making them a viable option for building credit. Our pick for the best gas card to build credit is the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card.
Store credit cards
Many retailers offer store-specific credit cards which can only be used within the brand of stores. Like gas cards, store cards are generally easy to get and will offer perks specific to that retailer. Our pick for the best store card to build credit is the Amazon Secured Card.
When choosing a credit card to build your credit, it’s important to first define your goal. If you’re new to credit and looking to establish a strong credit score, there are options available, such as the Chase Freedom Rise® Credit Card, even if you have no credit history. On the other hand, if you have a low credit score and want to improve it, consider a secured card like the Discover it® Secured Credit Card.
Here are a few other key strategies to consider when choosing a credit card to build credit:
Start with one good credit card to build credit, then add a second card that earns rewards once you’re sure you can use credit responsibly. Try to stick with just a couple of cards; having many credit cards makes it difficult to manage your balance and payments, increasing your risk of getting into debt.
Learn more about the number of credit cards you should have.
Building credit isn’t a linear path, and your credit score can fluctuate from month-to-month. In addition to following the best practices on building credit, you can take additional steps. They aren’t necessary but can help build credit, especially if you’re just starting out or have bad credit.
– Charlotte Zhang, credit cards writer at LendingTree
As you establish credit or rebuild your score, you’ll be able to qualify for cards with better rewards, lower interest rates and more favorable terms. Here’s what you can do after building your credit:
The time it takes to build credit depends on where you are in your credit journey. If you’re just getting started, it can take at least six months to establish a basic credit history and see initial changes in your credit score. After that, you can expect your score to be updated at least once a month, when credit issuers report to the credit bureaus.
Yes, authorized users can build credit. When someone makes you an authorized user on their credit card, the account’s payment history and utilization will appear on your credit report as well. This can give your credit score a significant boost, especially if the primary account holder maintains a positive credit history with on-time payments and low balances.
Just know, not all credit card issuers report authorized user information to credit bureaus.
Yes, secured credit cards can help build credit — as long as the card reports your responsible card usage (including paying your bill on time each month and staying below your credit limit) to the credit bureaus each month.
While building credit takes time, there are some basic strategies you can use to speed up the process. If you have a credit card, start by consistently paying your bill on time to establish a positive payment history. Maintaining a low balance and credit utilization ratio can lead to rapid score improvements. You should also focus on diversifying your credit mix by adding different types of credit, such as a credit builder loan.
You can begin rebuilding credit over the span of a few months with a credit card, but only if you make on-time payments and avoid maxing out your credit limits. Some cards in our ranking let you upgrade to an unsecured credit card in as little as six or seven months.
Not necessarily. You can build credit without a credit card by paying your utilities on time each month, having a responsible friend or family member add you as an authorized user on their credit card or taking out a loan to diversify your credit mix.
Secured credit cards like the Amazon Secured Card are generally easier to get. While it’s never guaranteed you’ll be approved for a credit card, this card is designed to help you build or rebuild your credit — which means you can potentially get the card with limited / poor credit.
The Chase Freedom Rise® Credit Card is the best credit card to build credit because it doesn’t require a security deposit, has a $0 annual fee and has automatic credit limit evaluations after six months.
No, gift cards and other prepaid credit cards do not help build credit since they are not tied to your credit score and the funds are preloaded on the card. Debit cards do not help build credit since funds are withdrawn from your checking account. You are using your money, not credit from a bank, when you use a debit card.
*Out of network ATM withdrawal and over the counter advance fees may apply. See here for details.**Money added to Credit Builder will be held in a secured account as collateral for your Credit Builder Visa card, which means you can spend up to this amount on your card. This is money you can use to pay off your charges at the end of every month.
The Secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card is issued by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted. Please see the back of your card for its issuing bank.
To apply for Credit Builder, you must have received a single qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more to your Chime® Checking Account. The qualifying direct deposit must be from your employer, payroll provider, gig economy payer, or benefits payer by Automated Clearing House (ACH) deposit OR Original Credit Transaction (OCT). Bank ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, verification or trial deposits from financial institutions, peer to peer transfers from services such as PayPal, Cash App, or Venmo, mobile check deposits, cash deposits, one-time direct deposits, such as tax refunds and other similar transactions, and any deposit to which Chime deems to not be a qualifying direct deposit are not qualifying direct deposits.
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply
The information related to the Chase Freedom Rise® Credit Card, Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students, Petal® 2 Cash Back, No Fees Visa® Credit Card, Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card, Amazon Secured Card, First Tech Platinum Secured Mastercard® and Amazon Prime Store Card has been independently collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.
The content above is not provided by any issuer. Any opinions expressed are those of LendingTree alone and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any issuer. The offers and/or promotions mentioned above may have changed, expired, or are no longer available. Check the issuer's website for more details.
